Doppler Retractor Blood Flow Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical retractors lack a reliable method to monitor blood flow during procedures, particularly when applied to major blood vessels in the lower back, leading to potential compromised blood flow to the pelvis and legs, with direct palpation of pulse being the only indication of excessive retraction.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor equipped with a transducer and Doppler ultrasound sensor to calculate blood flow rate proximate to the surgical site, providing real-time feedback through visual or auditory indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If retractors are used to hold major blood vessels out of the surgical site, then surgical access is improved, but blood flow to the pelvis and legs may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a Doppler ultrasound sensor to continuously monitor blood flow velocity distal to the retractor site and providing real-time feedback to the surgeon. This allows the surgeon to adjust retractor placement or pressure to maintain adequate blood flow while preserving surgical access, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and harmful effects on blood flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical palpation method with a Doppler ultrasound-based acoustic field system to monitor blood flow. This substitution enables non-contact, real-time measurement of blood flow velocity, allowing for more precise control of retractor pressure and placement to avoid compromising blood flow while maintaining surgical access.
2Ease of operation
If direct palpation of pulse is used to detect excessive retraction, then detection method is simple, but measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical palpation system with a Doppler ultrasound system that uses acoustic waves to measure blood flow velocity. This substitution dramatically improves measurement precision by providing quantitative velocity data and detecting changes in blood flow that are not perceptible to tactile sensation, while maintaining ease of operation through automated monitoring and display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback by monitoring blood flow velocity distal to the retractor site and providing real-time information to the surgeon. This feedback loop enables precise detection of excessive retraction effects on blood flow, allowing for immediate adjustment of retractor pressure or placement to maintain adequate perfusion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise monitoring of blood flow rates during surgery, preventing excessive retraction and ensuring adequate blood supply to the pelvis and legs by providing immediate feedback on blood flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
A Doppler ultrasound sensor is in electrical communication with the transducer. The transducer transmits signals to the Doppler ultrasound sensor that can be used to calculate blood flow rate proximate to a surgical site
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical retractor comprises an arm having a first end and a second end. A blade has an outer surface and a contact surface. The blade is fixed to at least one of the first end and the second end of the arm. A transducer is disposed on the contact surface of the blade. A Doppler ultrasound sensor is in electrical communication with the transducer. The transducer transmits signals to the Doppler ultrasound sensor that can be used to calculate blood flow rate proximate to a surgical site where the surgical retractor is being used.